Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:
arithmetic:
terms and signs
methods of multiplication and division
fractions and decimals
factors and multiples
weights, measures and conversion factors
ratio and proportion
averages
percentages
areas and volumes
squares, cubes, square and cube roots
algebra:
how to evaluate simple algebraic expressions (add, subtract, multiply, divide, brackets, and simple fractions)
linear equations and their solution
indices and powers, negative and fractional indices
simultaneous equations and second degree equations with one unknown
binary and other applicable numbering systems
logarithms
geometry:
simple geometrical constructions
graphical representation (nature and use, graphs of equations and functions)
trigonometry:
simple trigonometry
trigonometrical relationships
use of tables
rectangular and polar coordinates
matter:
nature of matter (chemical elements, atoms and molecules)
chemical compounds
states and change between states
mechanics:
forces, moments and couples – representation as vectors
centre of gravity
elements of theory of stress, strain and elasticity (tension, compression, shear and torsion)
nature and properties of solid, fluid and gas
pressure and buoyancy in liquids (barometers)
linear movement – uniform motion in a straight line, motion under constant acceleration including motion under gravity – Newton’s Laws of Motion
rotational motion – uniform circular motion – centrifugal and centripetal forces
periodic motion – pendular movement
simple theory of vibration, harmonics and resonance
velocity ratio, mechanical advantage and efficiency
mass
force, inertia, work, power, energy (potential, kinetic and total), heat and efficiency
momentum and conservation of momentum
impulse
gyroscopic principles
friction – nature and effects and coefficient of friction
specific gravity and density
viscosity, fluid resistance and effects of streamlining
effects of compressibility of fluids
static, dynamic and total pressure, Bernoulli’s Theorem and venturi
thermodynamics:
temperature – thermometers and temperature scales (Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin), heat definition
heat capacity and specific heat
heat transfer – convection, radiation and conduction
volumetric expansion
first and second laws of thermodynamics
gases – ideal gas laws, specific heat at constant volume and constant pressure, work done by expanding gas
isothermal, adiabatic expansion and compression, engine cycles, constant volume and constant pressure, refrigerators and heat pumps
latent heat of fusion and evaporation, thermal energy and heat of combustion
optics:
nature of light and speed of light
laws of reflection and refraction – reflection at plane surfaces, reflection by spherical mirrors, refraction and lenses
fibre optics
wave motion and sound:
wave motion – mechanical waves, sinusoidal wave motion, interference phenomena and standing waves
sound – speed of sound, production of sound, intensity, pitch and quality, and Doppler effect.